Century Arms AP5: Testing Century's MP5-Type Defensive PDW

I doubt there is a gun fan alive that doesn’t like the MP5. It has stood the test of time with proper design in function and aesthetics. As a teen in the ’80s I was exposed to unrelenting levels of testosterone-fueled action flicks that glorified guns of every sort. I don’t know how you could come out of that era not a fan of guns like the MP5.

TESTED: Rockin’ the Century Arms AP5

At the tender age of 13, my best friend and I made a pact that the first one to become a millionaire would buy one MP5 for each of us. Since you’re reading this from me, it’s evident I didn’t become a millionaire (I’m sure he did, though). Of course the versions that we lusted for back then (and now) were full-auto submachine guns, and last time I even glanced at the price of a full auto MP5 it was $26,000—and that was 15 years ago.

Thankfully, manufacturers have made it possible through clones to have an MP5, if only a semi-auto version. One such manufacturer, or importer I should say, is Century Arms International, which has brought the United States many cool weapons that might otherwise have graced our eyeballs only in some B movie on Netflix. The list includes the UC-9, based off the Israeli UZI, Golani, which is based off the Galil, and the L1A1, which is based off the FAL. Their latest import is the AP5 (apparatus pistol), their version of the iconic MP5. Apparatus pistol is Latin for machine pistol. I like the name, as it’s less offensive in today’s hyper-sensitive atmosphere. I say we all deserve a good apparatus pistol in our lives.

First Look!

The AP5 dropped in our lap during the annual Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous. It’s a three-day long, show-and-go fest of the latest firearms and accessories that certain manufacturers have to offer. Adam Ruonala, senior marketing coordinator for Century Arms, told me I’d want to stop by their tent to see something cool. Being the precision snob that I am, I couldn’t imagine anything cool that wasn’t chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 PRC or something of the like. Boy, was I wrong. He placed the AP5 in my hands and I was immediately teleported back to 1980-something. Hand me a mag, quick!

Century Arms AP5, Century Arms AP5, HK MP5 clone, HK MP-5, lead

True To The Game

When is a clone not a clone? Well, probably when the firearm is manufactured on the very machines used to manufacture the original, down to the most detailed of specs. You’ll be happy to know that the AP5 is made just like the original bad boy on German-made equipment used to make the HK MP5, so they are pretty much one and the same. I guess this is a good spot to insert William Shakespeare’s quote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” In other words, AP5 buyers will be happy.

“MKE is the Turkish military firearms manufacturing facility, and in the early 1970s they commissioned HK to build a facility in Turkey so that they could make the MP5 for their military and law enforcement,” Ruonala said. “The contract ended in 1990, and the machines and facility stayed.” I guess you could say the rest is history because now they are using the facility and machines to make these exact-to-HK-spec goodies for us. Plus, all of the parts are interchangeable with HK parts.

Century is releasing three versions of the AP5—full-size version, which is featured in this writing and designated the AP5, a mid-size AP5-P and a AP5-M, which is a small, fully concealable version. Because of my roots, I’m partial to the full-size AP5 and couldn’t turn down the chance to evaluate it. While I am a staunch precision rifle guy, those types of rifles can’t hold my gaze if there is an MP5-type gun in the room. Do you know how many people I sniped in the Rainbow Six video game franchise with the MP5 topped with a high-magnification optic? Precision rifles be damned!

The Century Arms AP5 is a faithful recreation of the famous MP5.

Roller-Delayed Smooth!

Of course, the roller-delayed blowback of the MP5 is the centerpiece and the AP5 is this same ultra smooth and reliable system. Obviously, the AP5 is chambered in 9mm, but it has a hammer-forged barrel, something I wasn’t aware of. But being to the true H&K spec, it is true on this version, as confirmed by Ruonala. Also, each barrel has a three-lug quick attachment and is threaded in 1/2×28, so get those cans ready for mounting.

I’m a lover of the MP5 but not an all-in connoisseur with knowledge about all the different variants. But upon researching the AP5, it is pretty much the MP5A3 version with a single-sided, metal safety selector as opposed to the more modern polymer safety selector. It also features the contoured grip, which is great for all right-handed shooters but not us southpaw types. But, that’s nothing that can’t be overcome. Plus, there is a hefty amount of lowers and parts that can be purchased if you want to change it out. As I write this, I’m perusing the ambi safety selection online. I smell another gun purchase a-brewin’. Each AP5 comes with two 30-round mags, a Picatinny-style mount to throw optics onboard, a sling and a factory cleaning kit.

Compact Defender

It’s not uncommon to question the role of specific firearms. The AP5 fits into many roles short of a long-range bomber. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still 9mm, but it has a wide footprint. I think it’s great for car and truck duty, and it’s also undoubtedly a take-to-the-range-often type of firearm. Plus, it could be used for home defense. The gun’s dimensions and reliability, as well as the ability to suppress it, make it a winner.

The threaded and tri-lug configuration of the muzzle means the end user has options for suppressors. I’ve been a long-time fan of tri-lug so the old Gemtech comes to mind. The threaded portion begs for the SilencerCo Omega 9k, and that’s what it got. The roller-delayed blowback system itself is a suppression advantage since the pressures inside the chamber must build to a certain point, then decrease some before the bolt opens and the guns cycles. This delay helps keep a mass of unwanted gases from blowing back into the operators face. Pure blowback weapons don’t do this.

Upgrades

The AP5 comes as a true pistol. Unlike the modern version of such a pistol, it lacks any type of arm brace. The backend is bare. If you want to make it more subgun-like, you’ll need to buy a brace of some sort, and I’m happy to tell you there are options.

J-Mac customs, maker of finer firearms parts and accessories such as muzzle devices, gas blocks, barrels, AR receivers, handguard accessories, and stocks and braces, sent out some necessary parts for the AP5 to bring it to a collapsible pistol brace configuration. These parts consisted of a RAS-MP5 1919 adapter for MP5, AB-8R Arm bar with rise and AB-BA brace adapter. Everything was well made and fit properly with an incredibly smooth and simple install. With everything attached, the AP5 was deserving of range time.

Red Army Range Time

The delayed roller type of action means your shooting experience will be very enjoyable. It’s smooth and lacks drama. It makes you feel like you can shoot faster and better at all times, and that might be true save for the trigger on the AP5. It’s long and clunky compared to an AR trigger or one of competitive products like the BT APC9. I don’t remember the trigger being so restrictive. It makes split times a little slower until you figure it out, but it’s nothing to worry over. Your shots will be sure and accurate.

Fittingly, we used some Red Army Standard 9mm during testing.

I ran Century’s Red Army Standard steel-case 9mm through the AP5. That’s what they sent with it, and I figure if they say it will work, then it will. And it did. The AP5 ran flawless from round one to round multiple hundred. Two mags isn’t enough. Be prepared to buy extras. The MP5 is the real reason why the PCC (pistol caliber carbine) even exists—as an attempt by other companies and their products to get you as close to the experience that HK created inside this design. Sadly there’s only one like it.

I opted for a little accuracy session, although I don’t know what it could possibly prove. Once I had the Shield SIS zeroed to my liking, I just put the dot over where I wanted to hit and pressed the trigger. It was like the bullets knew where to go all on their own with the Red Army Standard ammo. I grabbed a tripod from the SUV, put an Armageddon Gear Game Changer on top and slapped the AP5 on top of it all at 25 yards. Stability was a little challenging, but it got the job done.

Rounds Downrange

The steel-case blaster ammo gave a 2-inch group. Federal sent out some of their 147-grain LE hollow-point ammo, and it posted a 1.6-inch group, which isn’t bad. The best group came from Winchester’s M1152 active duty ammo. This 115-grain flat-nose projectile, which is noticeably hotter than other 9mm, yielded a group just over 1 inch at 25 yards. Again, this was done standing while resting the gun on the bag, which means it will do better. End result: The AP5 is accurate.

What’s the price? I dunno. Street prices look to be around $2,600, though I’m told by Century that there is no set MSRP.

I’ve always wanted an MP5, and I think I’ve waited long enough. Without spending a ton of money, this might be one of the best options available, although there are other companies that have MP5 clones. Knowing the history of the AP5 and how it came to be, I’m comfortable with its build quality—it’s the same right down to the metallurgy, according to Century Arms. I don’t need it, but I’ve wanted one since the 80’s. Century, send the bill. You won’t be getting this one back.

Even details like the charging handle replicate the MP5 on the Century Arms AP5.

Specifications: CENTURY ARMS AP5

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 8.9 inches
OA Length: 17.8 inches
Overall Weight: 6.3 pounds (empty)
Stock: N/A
Sights: Rear drum, fixed front
Action: Blowback semi-auto
Finish: Black
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: N/A

Performance: CENTURY ARMS AP5

Load	Accuracy
Red Army Standard 115	2.1
Federal LE Tactical HST 147	1.6
Winchester Active Duty M1152 115	1.1

Bullet weight measured in grains and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups shot at 25 yards on supported tripod and bag.

This article originally appeared in the April-May 2021 issue of Ballistic Magazine. Get your copy or digital subscription at OutdoorGroupStore.com.

The April-May 2021 cover of Ballistic magazine.

On October 26, 2020, Ballistic reported:

Anyone who has heard of Century Arms knows that it offers a huge variety of firearms—especially AKs, like that new Thunder Ranch AK. Adding to its impressive lineup, Century Arms will be selling what most will recognize immediately as everyone’s favorite sub-machine gun. Yep, that “Die Hard” beauty that everyone knows and loves. Meet the Century Arms AP5 Pistol.

First Look at the Century Arms AP5 Pistol

“AP” stands for “Apparatus Pistol,” which is Latin for “Machine Pistol”; Century left the “5” to pay homage to HK’s MP5. The Gun Gods have surely smiled down upon us, and given us one of the coolest firearms ever invented.

So here’s the scoop on what we know so far. The AP5 is being built in a military manufacturing facility in Turkey on original [HK] equipment. And get this: All of the parts of the Century Arms AP-5 are completely interchangeable with the HK MP5. There will be three different pistols models to start — a full-size, mid-size, and a mini. The AP-5 comes in a hard case with a receiver end cap, a Picatinny optics rail, magazines, a military-style sling, two extra takedown pins, and also a cleaning kit.

Century Arms AP-5, Century Arms AP5, HK MP5 clone, HK MP-5, folded

No price has been set as of yet, however, we were assured by Century Arms that it’s guaranteed to be cheaper than any other roller-delayed action on the U.S. Market. So there’s something else to look forward to.

We got to shoot the Century Arms AP5 at the recent 2020 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Idaho. Not only was it wildly fun to shoot, it was also easy to stay on target. Hitting out to 100 yards was a breeze during our time with it. Take a look at the video above for a look at some of our range time. Also, for more information, keep your eyes peeled on CenturyArms.com.